Kudos to Dak Prescott, but Elliott and Cooper Sank the Seahawks
One of the main news narratives to come out of the Silver Star’s playoff triumph over the Seattle Seahawks is Dak Prescott’s amazing turn-around from sophomore blues to postseason blast. The still-developing but ready-for-prime-time Prescott had a good day against the Seahawks, leading drives and producing through the air.
No doubt the QB deserves the praise and the adulation following the nail-biting 24-22 Wild Card win. Prescott took only 1 sack and ran for the winning points late in the 2nd half. To be cliché about it, Dak showed great leadership on Saturday against the ‘Gulls.
It was just 2 key members of his supporting cast who were making the winning scenario possible.
Tailback Ezekiel Elliott enjoyed a shining hour at Jerry World behind a bruising offensive line push, rushing for 137 yards and a 5+ ypc average with a touchdown. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, a mid-season acquisition from the Oakland Raiders, grabbed 7 receptions for 100+ yards.
Elliott’s score set the vibe of the final frame, giving the Cowboys a 17-14 lead – their 3rd of the contest. The 1-yard plunge capped-off a 9-play drive that began at the Dallas 33.
But if the offensive line deserves credit for the 3-headed monster moving the sticks against a tough Seattle unit, the host D takes the cake. Dallas allowed only 73 yards rushing and no 30-yard rushers in the game. Rashaad Penny, a rookie backup, led the Seahawks in rush yards with 29. Russell Wilson was not intercepted and rarely sacked, but Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie were all over the field chasing the ball and wrapping-up after short passes.
The Seahawks were not helpless without a running game, scoring with just over a minute remaining and adding a 2-point conversion before a drop-kick attempt went awry on the ensuing kickoff.
